Hellfest

Hellfest is a major annual music festival devoted to heavy metal and hard rock, held every June in Clisson, France. Drawing tens of thousands of fans and hundreds of bands, it is the largest metal festival in France and one of the biggest in Europe.

• Held annually in Clisson, France since 2006
• Features six stages and hundreds of bands
• Attendance has reached 60,000 people per day
• Known for its diversity in metal and hard rock genres
• France's largest music festival by turnover

What it is

Hellfest is a massive open-air music festival dedicated to heavy metal, extreme metal, and hard rock. Every June, the small town of Clisson in western France transforms into a gathering place for fans from around the world. With six stages and a lineup that spans the spectrum of metal and rock, Hellfest is known for its diversity and scale. For many musicians and fans, it is a highlight of the festival calendar, offering a space to celebrate the music, community, and energy that define the metal scene.

Where it comes from

Hellfest traces its roots to Fury Fest, a hardcore and punk festival that began in 2002 in Clisson. After several years of growth and changes in location, financial difficulties led to the end of Fury Fest in 2005. In 2006, Hellfest was launched as its successor, quickly gaining popularity and expanding its reach. Over the years, Hellfest has faced challenges, including public criticism and cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has continued to grow, becoming a landmark event for metal fans in France and across Europe.

How it is celebrated

During Hellfest, Clisson becomes a vibrant hub of music and festival life. The event features two main stages focused on hard rock and metal, while four additional stages showcase a wide range of extreme metal genres. Attendees experience performances from hundreds of bands, with past editions hosting up to 350 acts over several days. The festival grounds are filled with food stalls, merchandise stands, and themed decorations, creating a unique atmosphere. Fans often dress in band shirts, leather, and metal attire, and the sense of camaraderie is strong as people come together to enjoy the music and the festival spirit.

Joining in

Visitors to Hellfest can expect a lively, welcoming environment in Clisson, with the main festivities taking place at the Val-de-Moine sports complex. Tickets sell out quickly due to the festival’s popularity, so planning ahead is essential. Whether you are a longtime metal fan or simply curious, Hellfest offers an immersive experience with world-class performances, energetic crowds, and a chance to be part of one of Europe’s most renowned music gatherings.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Hellfest, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Hellfest on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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